Supporting self-regulation in fish stock management

The beginning of the high season coincides with the end of the crop harvest. It is the time when many people from the inland move to the coast in order to secure a job before the next crop season. During the high season, Kayar's population (15,000) can double. The local economy is boosted but sanitation problems increase as well.

A town concerned by decline in fish stocks
In terms of structure, the Kayar fishing community is the most advanced in the country.

Long liners, purse seiners, and traders are all organized in associations, which allow them to better defend their interests. They also are all concerned by the fish stocks' decline, and are keen to better manage their resources.

Setting their own rules
For example, it is strictly forbidden to catch juvenile fish. And purse seiners who, previously, could operate whenever they wanted, are now restricted to one fishing session per day.

The other fishermen have limited their catch to 45 kg (3 boxes of 15 kg each). If they don't respect that limit, they have to pay a substantial tax. This money is then used by the purse seiners committee to help poorer fishermen's families or replace broken pirogues (local boats).

WWF - offering advice and support
To further encourage and improve these practices, WWF has provided the community with technical advice and funding support, as well as training and capacity building, particularly on fishing laws, that most of the fishermen know well today. One of the main remaining challenges ahead is to limit the number of pirogues - there are 500 pirogues fishing in the low season and 1,163 in high season.